August 7, 1866

THE SATURDAY 4 O'CLOCK MOVEMENT

CONTINUED SUCCESS

Special Meeting of the Carpenters' Union Last Night - Reports From Strikers - A Committee to wait on the Opposing Bosses, Etc.

The Carpenters' Union met last evening pursuant to adjournment, at Granada Hall, Myrtle avenue, to receive further reports in regard to the 4 o'clock movement, Mr. John H. Robinson, the President occupied the chair, and Mr. Benjamin Chandler acted as Secretary. The minutes of the special meeting of Saturday were read and approved.

REPORTS FROM STRIKERS

Mr. Lawrie expressed his desire to hear something from the strikers, who had met at the hall during the day, as agreed upon at the last meeting.

Mr. Plimly, formerly with Osborne & Fish, Clinton street, thereupon arose and stated that he had not a very favorable report to make. He had seen one of his employers, who said that he was very sorry that his men had left on Saturday afternoon; they could return if they liked, but they must forfeit their pay for the time lost on Saturday afternoon by quitting work at four o'clock. He could not yield in favor of the movement at all. The speaker thereupon, thought that as true "Union" men, they could work for Osborne & Fish no more. On Saturday morning he had seen at the shop a man who had been proposed as a member of the Union, and who promised him that he would quit work at four o'clock that afternoon, and not resume it on Monday. He did quit on Saturday, but this morning he was at work again, and on being questioned by the speaker replied that he was performing a job for himself. Mr. Plimley thought differently, and he would make a motion that this man's name be scratched off the books.

The motion was declared out of order.

Mr. Robert Ford reported that his employer, John D. Hennessy, had complied with the demands of the Union and allowed his men to quit work at four o'clock on Saturday with full pay.

Mr. Beatty, another of the strikers, reported that he had been looking around during the day, and had seen two members of the "Union", who had been engaged to work for a Mr. Hunter that morning. They had notified him subsequently, however, that they could not go, and a couple of "scabs" were hired in their place. He had called on Mr. Hunter and asked whether he was willing to yield in favor of the four o'clock movement. That gentlemen said he was, and that Mr. Beatty might report as such to the "Union," on the condition that his men are to go to his shop for payment of wages, and not have him running to where they were engaged. He also told the speaker, that if he did not secure a job, to come to him next week, and he would give him employment. Mr. Beatty had been to Mr. Cunningham, of Willoughby avenue, who had told him that he would take "Union" men to work, and discharge all the "scabs." (Applause) A visit was also made to the shop of Mr. Webb on Atlantic avenue, who said that he needed three men, would pay them full wages and allow them to "knock off" at four o'clock on Saturdays. Mr. Itea would also give employment to "Union" men, and support the four o'clock movement. The speaker was going there to day.

Mr. Chandler, the Secretary, had called on Mr. Voorhees, who desired to know why he had not returned to work. He replied that it was because the foreman had told him on Saturday, that any man quitting at four o'clock, would be discharged. Mr. Voorhees had given no such order, but had directed that any of his employees so doing were to be "docked" 25 cents.

Mr. Holland stated that he had worked for Mr. Voorhees, but that his employer had made no objection to the movement.
Mr. Lawrie - Did you quit at four o'clock on Saturday?
Mr. Holland - I did
It will here be noticed that the statements are conflicting in regarding to Mr. Voorhees.

The President thought that it would be proper to call upon Mr. Voorhees, in order to ascertain whether he will pay the full wages for Saturday. If he refused, they then they would compel him to do so.

Mr. Beatty was not in favor of asking a boss whether he could quit work or whom he could. On Saturday afternoon he had quit at four o'clock, according to the rules of the "Union." In regard to the case of Mr. Chandler, he was of the opinion that Mr. Voorhees flet rather hostile towards him, because he was Secretary of the "Union;" not because of any lack of capacity as a workman. When Mr. Colden was Secretary, he was discharged by Mr. Voorhees because he filled that office.

Mr. Colden hereupon sprang up and said he would like to make an explanation. The foreman had merely remarked to Mr. Voorhees, when the latter was once paying him off, that he was Secretary of the "Union;" Mr. Voorhees had not said to him, "I guess we'll have to discharge you."

Mr. Beatty persisted that Mr. Voorhees did say so, and, if it were necessary, he would make an affidavit to that effect.

=A COMMITTEE TO WAIT UPON THE NON-CONFORMISTS

Mr. Higgins moved that a Committee be appointed to wait on Mr. Voorhees to ascertain whether he will pay the full wages for Saturday last to those men who quit at four o'clock, and who are now on a strike therefor.

Mr. Beatty was opposed to the motion. Mr. Voorhees had told one man to continue working and he would yield to whatever terms were desired; to another he has remarked that he must have his own way, and choose whatever terms he thought best.

Mr. Low was in favor of the motion and hoped it would prevail.

After an uninteresting discussion, the motion was put by the President and carried. Messrs, Higgins & Primley were appointed as the committee.

Mr. McElvery, employed by Mr. Voss of Flatbush av., stated that the latter had objected to the eight hour movement. He was willing however to allow those men who had worked faithfully through the week, to quite work at 4 o'clock on Saturdays

Mr. Duffy, reported as having quit work on Saturday at four o'clock, and received a full pay from his employer, John Lynch of Hoyt street.

Mr. Wright, from Wilson's, Hanson place, reported favorably. The proprietor had given him the money to pay the hands off on Saturday afternoon.

Mr. Beatty had been talking with Mr. Mack, of Front street, who stated that none of his men had asked to be let off at four o'clock.

Mr. Wright knew of several men in Sweezey's shop, Schermerhorn street, who promised to "knock off" on Saturday, but did not. One of them was a member of the "Union". Mr. Wright desired to know whether there had been any resolution passed in regard to members who did not "knock off". He thought that they should be fined, and in default of payment, discharged from the Society. He desired to make a motion to that effect, playing the fine at $10.

The President informed him that he must give notice of the motion at the next regular meeting.

A Mr. Gordon took the floor and stated that he was employed on a Brooklyn job by New York men, Groom & Cauvett, who had yielded in favor of the Saturday movement.

Mr. Plimley reported that Mr. Hazzard of Bergen street, who was so opposed to them last Spring, would concede to their demands, and allow his men to quit at four o'clock. (Loud applause)

Mr. White reported that Mr. Scott, of Henry street, did not object to the movement, whereupon a motion was made and carried that he committee appointed to wait upon Mr. Voorhees also wait upon Mr. Scott in order to learn his views on the subject.

Mr. Low, from Burnett's shop, being called upon by the President, stated that he was the only one there who quitted work on Saturday afternoon, and received full pay. There are other men in the shop, but they failed to speak to the "boss" about the matter. He thought Mr. Burnett was willing if they would only ask him.

Messrs. McKee, of Classon avenue, and Sheldon, of Court street, were reported "all right," after which the meeting adjourned until Thursday evening next.

THE ASSENTING EMPLOYERS

Up the the present time twenty-five bosses have assented to the requests of their men. Their names are as follows: